Harry Mac

I very much enjoyed Harry Mac by Russell Eldridge which is set in early 1960s South Africa.  The narrator is Tom, a preteen, whose father (Harry Mac) is the Editor of a local newspaper.  Tom's best friend is Millie, daughter of a Jewish man who escaped the Holocaust.  There is a lot happening in South Africa at this time.  The Nationals are in government and apartheid has an impact on everyone.  Tom and Millie try to understand the world around them, some of which is explained by Millie's father Sol.  Tom and his family are English and Harry Mac uses his  newspaper to expose the flaws in the laws. A young lawyer, Nelson Mandela, is rising to prominence.  The author was born in South Africa, now living in Australia.  His writing is brilliant as he weaves this "coming of age" tale about life in South Africa at a difficult time.  Highly recommended. 5/5